Decoding device



April 12, 1960 H. L. LAMBERT ET AL 2,932,375

DECODING DEVICE Filed May 2'7, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 V a r INVENTORS HARRY L. LAMBERT PAUL F. PAGE ALTON G. SNYDER ATTO-RNEYS April 12, 1960 H. LAMBERT ETAL 2,932,375

DECODING DEVICE Filed May 27, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS HARRY I. LAMBERT PAUL F. PAGE ALTON G. SNYDER R EYS 2,932,375 DECODING DEVICE Application May 27, 1958, Serial No. 738,066

9 Claims. (Cl. 197-20) This invention relates to a novel arrangement for controlling the operation of a business machine and more particularly relates to a novel apparatus for controlling the selective power actuation of thirty-two or more separate operating linkages of a typewriter, or like machine, using a five level code as the control input.

There are many conventional data processing systems, such as teletype communication equipment, in which a five level binary code is used in the recording, transmitting and reading of information. The maximum number of diilerent on-01f combinations in such a codeis thirtytwo; however it has been found necessary in many cases to be able to provide more than thirty-two dilferent code combinations whereby a corresponding number of different operating linkages of a machine may be controlled. In such cases a six level code has been resorted to in order to obtain this larger number of on-01f" code combinations.

One object of the instant invention is to provide a novel arrangement for increasing the number of diiferent operating linkages of a machine which may be actuated while using a given level code.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel decoding arrangement for a data processing system.

Another object of the invention is to provide two separate but interrelated decoders in the control apparatus for a data processing system.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel circuitry between two decoding units whereby either decoder may be operated to the exclusion of the other.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a pair of separate but interrelated decoding units for pneumatically controlling the operation of thirty-three or more separate key actuators of a typewriter.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pair of similar five level code decoding units for controlling the operation of more than thirty-two link-ages of a' business machine whereby operation of one decoding unit may disable said one unit and enable the other decoding unit, and whereby operation of said other unit may disable said other unit and enable said one unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a single decoding means in combination with a two-way valve means; the operation of the latter being controlled from said decoding means.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciatedas the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals, unless otherwise stated, designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation showing the construction of a booster valve used in conjunction with the instant apparatus.

Fig. 2 illustrates the circuit diagram symbol used 'for the booster valve of Fig. 1, y

Sta Patent scribed in said copending application.

Fig. 3 defines the circuit diagram for the instant apparatus, and

Fig. 4 defines the circuit diagram for an alternate embodiment of the instant invention. The control apparatus constituting the inst-ant invention may be used in a data processing system which is similar to that described in. our copending application for Automatic Apparatus for Operating Business Machines," Serial No. 690,099, filed October 14, 1957, now Patent No. 2,894,614. Unless otherwise indicated the various structural elements utilized in the instant apparatus, such as the tape feed mechanism, reading head, primarysecondary valve unit, the typewriter and its key actuators, as Well as the symbols employed in the instant circuit diagram, may be similar to those respectively shown and de- One particular type of pneumatic valve which is not described in said copending application and which is used here will be described first.

The booster valve 10 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a frame member 11 having a vertical leg 12 that defines the body portion of an impulse type valve 13. A cooperating pneumatic pouch actuator 14 of conventional construction is mounted on the horizontal leg 15 of said frame member. The said valve'13 is the same in all respects as a conventional pneumatic impulse valve except that the one shown in Fig. 1 has two output lines 16 and 17 instead of one. Here the operating arm 13 of the valve is provided with the two pads 19 and 20 which are respectively adapted to normally overlie and pneumatically block the openings at the ends of said lines 16 and .17. The upper end of the impulse valve operating arm 18 is connected, by means of link- 21, to the upper end of the arm 22 of said pouch actuator 14; thus the operation of the pouch actuator 14 through line 23 serves to displace the valve arm 18 in a clockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 1, thereby initiating-an atmospheric pressure impulse.

in both of the valve output lines 16 and 17 The symbol used in the circuit diagram for the booster valve 153 is shown in Fig. 2. Booster valves such as that just de-.

scribed may be utilized in the hereinafter described circuitry to boostor amplify any given signal pressure impulse. If said impulse is initially strong and does not have to travel through too long a distance in pressure conduits then such a booster valve may not be needed. They are here included to insure that the control pressure impulses initiated by the instant decoding device will be effectively strengthened so as to properly operate the various other valves in the system as will be explained below.

The circuit diagram for the instant system is illustrated in Fig. 3 and as noted above the various symbols used are the same as that described in our said copending application. The live ports 40 through '44 of the pneumatic reading head 45 respectively communicate with the output lines 46 through 50. Lines 46-50 are respectively connected so as to control one of the five primary-secondary valve units P-Sl through PS5 of the primary-secondary valve assembly 52. In that all of said primary-secondary valve units P-Sl through P-SS are identical a discussion of one thereof, P-Sl, will suflice here. Line 46 constitutes a common control line for both the secondary valve 54 and 'the primary valve 55 of the p1imarysecondary valve unit P-Sl. The output lines from said secondary and primary valves are designated by arrows 1S and IP respectively. It will be apparent that thepressures in the output lines IF and 18 are normally subthrough P-SS, corresponding to said lines IP and 18, have.

been designated as 2?, 2S; 3P, 3S; 4P, 4S; and SP and 58 respectively.

The ten output lines from the primary-secondary valve unit 52 are respectively connected so as to control one or more of the various blocking valves in each of two similar decoding units or valve assemblies 60 and 61. The flow lines of said blocking valves of the decoders are interconnected in series and/or parallel functional relation in the pattern shown. Here, each of said blocking valves is numbered the same as the line which controls it; said control lines being omitted from the circuit diagram for the sake of clarity. For example, all the blocking valves numbered 3P are controlled by the said primary-secondary valve output line 3P; similarly, all the blocking valves which are designated as 28 are controlled by said line 28 of the valve assembly 52.

It will be seen that due to the above noted normal pressure conditions in the respective output lines of the primary-secondary valve units P-Sl through P-S all the blocking valves of the-decoders 60 and 61 which are controlled by the pressure conduit lines 1P, 2P, 3P, 4F and 5?, will be normally open while all the blocking valves controlled by lines IS, 25, SS, 48 and 55 will be normally closed. Thus as the various primary-secondary valve units P-Sl through P-SS are operated either singly or in combination, the respective associated blocking valves of said decoders will be correspondingly opened or closed. An additional blocking valve 62 is provided in the inlet line 63 of the decoder 60. This blocking valve is controlled by an external control line 62 which will be discussed below, again for convenience said valve being numbered the same as the line which controls it. Assuming for a moment that the blocking valve 62 is open, each time the decoder 60 receives a group of coded pressure impulses from valve assembly 52, said decoder will be thereby operated so as to pneumatically connect the said inlet line 63 with one, and only one, of the various output lines 65 of the decoder 60. Each of the output lines 65 is connected so as to operate one of the pouch actuators 66, for either the type bar or the function control linkages of the typewriter 67. Any of the lines 65 which are not needed or required for the operation of the particular typewriter used in the system may be plugged or otherwise blocked as indicated at 68.

The elements 72, 73, 75, 76 and 78 associated with the decoder 61 respectively correspond to the above described elements 62, 63, 65, 66 and 68 associated with said decoder 60. Lines 62 and 72 which effectively control the operation of decoders 60 and 61 respectively, are connected to the respective output lines or ports of the pneumatic on-ofi valves 80 and 81 which are controlled by a pair of booster valves 82 and 83-. The booster valves 82 and 83 are respectively controlled, as shown, by the output lines 65a and 75a of the decoders 60 and 61 respectively. The output lines 90 and 91 of booster valve 82 are respectively connected to the off control port of the on-oflf valve 80 and the on? control port of the on-ofi valve 81. In similar fashion the output lines 92 and 93 from the booster valve 83 are respectively connected to the 011 port of said on-ofi valve 81 and the on port of said on-ott valve 80.

In operation it will be assumed that the on-ofi valve 80 is initially in the on condition thereby leaving the on-ofi valve 81 in the 011 condition. Here the block ing valve 62 will be opened thereby permitting the operation of the decoder 60 while blocking valve 72 will be closed thereby preventing the effective operation of the decoder 61. As the perforated record 95 is moved over the reading head 45 a plurality of successive groups of pressure impulses will be initiated in the respective lines 46-50, the pressure impulses of each successive group respectively corresponding to the number and distribution of holes in each successive. transverse row of coded holes punched in said record. Said groups of impulses booster valves 82 and 83 ofFig. 3.

operate the various related primary-secondary valve units .P-Sl through P-S5 which is turn will serially condition the decoder 60 so that a succession of atmospheric pressure impulses are initiated in the various output lines 65 of decoder 60. During this operation of decoder 60 the blocking valves of decoder 61 will also be operated by the said primary-secondary valve units, however no output signals are initiated in the output lines 75 because the blocking valve 72 in the inlet line 73 of this decoder is closed.

When it is desired to initiate successive pressure impulses in any of the output lines 75 of decoder 61, a predetermined precedence or shift code which has been punched in the record will cause the primary-secondary valve assembly to operate the decoder 60 so that a pressure impulse is initiated in the decoder output line 65a. Here the resultant operation of the booster valve 82 will initiate an atmospheric pressure impulse in the control lines 90 and 91 whereby the on-otr" valve 80 is operated to its 011 condition and on-ofi valve 81 is operated to its on condition. As a result the blocking valve 62 will become closed and blocking valve 72 opened. By so disabling the decoder 60 and enabling the decoder 61 subsequent operation of the primarysecondary valve assembly 52 will cause pressure impulses to be initiated in the output lines 75 of decoder 61. Here the blocking valves of decoder 60 will also be operated but no pressure impulses will be initiated in the output lines 65 in that inlet blocking valve 62 of this decoder is closed.

When it is desired to again initiate pressure impulses in the output lines 65 of decoder 60 a predetermined precedence or shift in the record will cause the prirnary-secondary valve assembly to operate the decoder 61 so that a pressure impulse is initiated in the output line 75a. This will operate the booster valve 83 which in turn will cause the on-oif valves 80 and 81 to be operated to their on and off conditions respectively. As a result the decoder 61 will be disabled by the closing of the blocking valve 72 and decoder 60 will again be enabled by the opening of the blocking valve 62. By using the above described arrangement the operation of up to sixty different output lines 65, 75, and associated pouch actuators 66, 76, may be controlled by the use of a five level code. This permits the controlling of a power operated typewriter, having more than thirty-two operating linkages, by means of a standard type five level communications code. It will be apparent that the principles of the instant invention may be used in electrical as well as pneumatic systems and that said principles may be applied with equal efficacy where codes having six, seven or more levels are employed.

An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 4. Here a single five channel pneumatic decoder is provided which is similar to either of the decoders 60, 61 of Fig. 3 except that here there is no blocking valve in the inlet line 101 thereof such as is provided at 62 and 72 of the said decoders 60, 61. Two of the output lines 102 and 103 from the decoder are respectively connected to two booster valves 104 and 105 which control the operation of the two on-ofi" valves 106 and 107 in a manner identical to that described above for the The remaining output lines 110 of the decoder 100 are respectively connected to the inlet lines 111 of the two way valve means 112. Each of the said inlet lines 111 are connected to a pair of output lines 13, 14 through blocking valves 115 and 116 respectively. The blocking valves 115 and 116 are respectively controlled by the output lines 115, 116 of said on-oif valves 106 and 107; the blocking valves again for convenience being considered to include the line or lines by which said valves are respectively controlled. The two selectively operable groups of output lines 113, 114 are connected so as to respectively operate the different pouch actuators 120 of the typewriter unit 121.

In the operation of the device illustrated in Fig. 4, when the on-oif valve 106 is in the on condition, blocking valves 115 will be open and any pressure impulses initiated in the output lines 110 of the decoder 100 will be transmitted through the output lines 113 of the twoway valve means 112. During this period of operation the on-oft valve 107 is in the oil condition and hence blocking valves 116 of valve means 112 will remain closed. When it is desired to selectively initiate pressure impulses in the output lines 114 of the two-way valve means, a precedence pressure impulse is initiated in the decoder output line 102 of decoder 100 whereby the operative conditions of on-oif valves 106 and 107 will be reversed; thus closing the blocking valves 115 and opening the blocking valves 116. Thereafter pressure impulses from decoder 100 will now be transmitted through lines 111, valves 116 and out through the output lines 114. When it is desired to again selectively initiate pressure impulses in the said lines 113 a precedence pressure impulse is initiated in the decoder output line 103 so that the operative condition of said on-ofi' valves 106, 107 is again reversed whereby blocking valves 115 will be opened and blocking valves 116 closed.

While several embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made in the particular construction without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. It is therefore desired, by the following claims, to include within the scope of the invention all such variations and modifications whereby substantially the results of the invention may be obtained by the use of substantially the same or equivalent means.

The invention claimed is:

1. In a data processing system having means for initiating a plurality ofcoded impulses, decoding means, and actuator means controlled by said decoding means; said decoding means comprising at least two individually operable decoders, means controlled by one of said decoders for disabling said one decoder and enabling the other of said decoders, and means controlled by said other decoder for disabling said other decoder and enabling said one decoder.

2. In a data processing system having means for initiating a plurality of coded impulses, and actuator means for operating the various linkages of a business machine; the improvement comprising, a first decoder operated by said impulses and adapted to control the operation of some of said actuator means, a second decoder operated by said impulses and adapted to control the operation of other of said actutaor means, means controlled by said first decoder for disabling said first decoder and enabling said second decoder, and means controlled by said second 6 decoder for disabling said second decoder and enabling said first decoder.

3. In a data processing system having a record controlled business machine, a first and a second decoding means, means controlled by said first decoder means for disabling said first decoder means and enabling said second decoding means, and means controlled by said second decoding means for disabling said second decoding means and enabling said first decoding means. 7

4. In a data processing system; means for initiating a plurality of coded impulses in response to the reading of a record, decoding means successively operated by said impulses and being adapted to selectively control the individual operation of a plurality of key actuators, said decoding means comprising, a first decoder adapted to control the operation of a portion of said key actuators, a second decoder adapted to control the operation of the remaining portion of said key actuators, means operated by said first decoder for simultaneously enabling said second decoder and disabling said first decoder, and means operated by said second decoder for simultaneously enabling said first decoder and disabling said second decoder.

5. Apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said decoders each comprise a plurality of pneumatic blocking valves and wherein the last two mentioned means each comprise a pneumatic on-olf valve.

6. Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein each of said on-ofi valves are connected so as to control the air flow through the associated decoder.

7. Apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said decoders are interconnected in parallel.

8. In a data processing system having a business machine, means for controlling the operation of said machine; said means comprising, decoding means having first and second output units, each of said units being adapted to transmit a series of impulses for controlling the operation of said machine, means controlled by at least one of the output impulses of said first output unit for disabling said first unit and for enabling said second unit, and means controlled by at least one of the impulses of said second unit for disabling said second unit and enabling said first unit.

9. Apparatus as defined by claim 8 wherein at least one of said units comprises a plurality of pneumatic blocking valves that are operatively connected in parallel and series relation, and wherein the last two mentioned means comprises at least one pneumatic on-ofi valve.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,351,663 Clark June 20, 1944 2,873,837 Clark Feb. 17, 1959 

